Cynthia Winki
Mentorship Connection
One meeting per month
Unlimited chat, email, or text within boundaries.
Usually responds in about 20 hours
About
I am a resourceful professional with diverse experience in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and consultancy. My expertise includes:
1. Investment screening and due diligence
2. Portfolio building and management
3. Financial modeling and valuation
4. Startup operations and growth strategies
5. Market research and analysis
6. Thesis development and evaluation
I’ve worked as a Deal Partner at Ganas VC, sourcing and evaluating Seed Stage startups in LATAM. I’ve also been a Venture Capital Fellow at Dream VC, conducting due diligence on African Seed stage startups. As the founder of Stroika, an e-commerce startup, I gained hands-on experience in building and running a business. My background in construction consultancy as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor has given me additional skills in project management and cost control.
Mentor type
Spoken languages
Topics
Geographic focus
Sectors
Mentorship motivation
- I am looking for new investments
- I like to learn about industries and new businesses
- I want to give back to the startup ecosystem and entrepreneurs coming up
- I want to make new connections for myself and/or the organization I represent
- I want to scout for new opportunities in engaging as an advisor or for a board seat
As a woman who has navigated the challenging landscape of entrepreneurship and venture capital in Africa, I am deeply motivated to become a mentor. My journey from founding an e-commerce startup to working as a Deal Partner in venture capital has given me firsthand experience of the unique challenges and opportunities that women in business face, particularly in emerging markets. I’ve seen the transformative power of mentorship and support in my own career, and I’m eager to pay it forward.
The stark statistics showing the funding gap for women-led startups in Africa resonate with my experiences, and I feel compelled to be part of the solution. By sharing my expertise in investment screening, financial modeling, and startup operations, I believe I can help empower the next generation of female founders to overcome barriers and access the capital they need to thrive. Moreover, as someone who has worked across different sectors and stages of business growth, I’m excited about the prospect of guiding diverse startups and learning from their innovative approaches. Being a mentor in this program aligns perfectly with my passion for fostering entrepreneurship and my commitment to advancing gender equity in the African business ecosystem.